- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£78
Fastest journey
3 h 28 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
To travel from Liverpool to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
C16944+
G38880
C16949+
G38882
C16939+
G38878
C16954+
G38885
C16934+
G38877
C16920+
G38870
C16925+
G38873
C16949+
G38882
C16934+
G38877
G38921+
W34119Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 215 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33036+ G38860 | On time 18:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h05 | 22:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C01295+ G38860+ G00540 | Delayed 18:31 18:47Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 4h01 | 22:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W33123+ G38901 | On time 19:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h34 | 0:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Monday 24 August | |||||
G38870+ C16920 | 8:10 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h28 | 11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C16923+ G01144+ W34618 | 8:33 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G01144+ W34618+ W34170 · W33888 | 8:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
G38873+ C16925 | 9:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34119+ G38921 | 9:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 13:15 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G38874+ C16929 | 10:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h41 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C16932+ W29871+ W34624 | 10:33 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W29871+ W34624+ W34095 · W34182 | 10:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
G38877+ C16934 | 11:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34094+ G38925 | 11:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 15:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G38878+ C16939 | 12:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C16944+ G38880 | 13:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h34 | 16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33949+ G38927 | 13:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h34 | 17:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C16949+ G38882 | 14:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C16954+ G38885 | 15:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h34 | 18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34163+ G38928 | 15:43 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h37 | 19:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:18, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 3h 27m.
Distance 215 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 27m |
First train 3:18 |
Last train 23:34 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
There are no direct trains from Liverpool to Cardiff but frequent indirect services, requiring a change at Birmingham New Street. The schedule begins with an East Midlands train departure from Liverpool at around 6:30 a.m. connecting with a CrossCountry train service at Birmingham. There are connections roughly every half hour throughout the day until the final departure just after 8:00 p.m. Most journeys take just under four hours.
Departure Station: Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff depart from central Liverpool Lime Street station which is around five minutes on foot from the city's bus station on Roe Street. There are regular connections around the city centre on the bus routes C4 and C5. Taxis are available from the station ranks on Skelhorne Street and Lord Nelson Street.
Arrival Station: Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff arrive at Cardiff Central Station located on the banks of the river Taff, on the south-west edge of the city centre. Public transport options include city buses available from the nearby interchange on Wood Street. The station taxi rank is to the right of the exit.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool to Cardiff by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Liverpool to Cardiff trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Lisvane & Thornhill. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Liverpool Lime Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool South Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Lisvane & Thornhill is 7 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Lisvane & Thornhill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Lisvane & Thornhill.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Parking.
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Rhymney) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via Clos Llysfaen and a ramp with a shallow gradient. Access between the platforms is via a footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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